Category Archives: Accountability

Happy Election Year!

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We get to exercise our democratic right to vote for candidates we feel will best represent us.

I haven’t felt represented, except for Councillor Pouget who isn’t even on the accessibility committee.

At the start of 2025, Prue referenced the AODA and said, ‘this town has not been compliant. And I have promised, as mayor, and the council has promised, that we will hence for, hence forward, going forward, always be AOD compliant. And I want people to know that the those who have disabilities have every right to use every one of the services in this town, the same as everyone else.’

Parks were touted as accessible but still pose barriers to some children with disabilities.

Councillor Allaire said she would like the library to have a new place ‘that’s accessible’ and our library service is small and ‘not as accessible as we want it to be,’ and ‘its challenges are inaccessibility.’ She has refused to answer questions about her statements.

Council decided to continue the time old tradition of in person voting, which will still create barriers for some disabled residents.

Councillor Crain led the momentum to shut down any further debate about the contentious Open Air, aka Closed Streets, which will continue to pose barriers to some residents with disabilities.

Council took no meaningful action in response to the number one Open Air survey complaint – accessibility.

Council hasn’t reviewed the controversial procedure by-law that reduced opportunities for residents’ participation in the decision making process.

Some residents were allowed to bypass the procedure by-law rules.

The town continued its swim arrangement with Movati, forcing some disabled residents to go to LaSalle if they wanted to swim – but they had to pay.

The town continued to unapologetically approve inaccessible businesses.

The town applied for, and received, a grant to promote the Aphasia Friendly initiative where some businesses might become Aphasia friendly yet they may remain inaccessible. I reached out to the group a few times but my questions remain unanswered.

The accessibility committee continued with its annual symbolic flag raising ceremony during National AccessAbility Week, requiring minimal effort.

The town hall still has some accessibility issues. Money spent on pickleball, trails and a dog park could’ve been prioritized for accessiblity.

When the first dog park opened Prue was quoted as saying, it ‘reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents, including our beloved canine companions.’

For as long as barriers exist, and they do, no one should claim we are an inclusive community. It takes strong leadership and a strong commitment to remove the barriers and keep promises.

Amherstburg Gingerbread House: Accessibility Issues

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The Amherstburg Gingerbread House is called a warming house, but it might not be welcoming since it’s not disability inclusive.

Image description: Amherstburg park pavilion building dressed up as a seasonal gingerbread house.

Look! The International wheelchair access symbol sticker is on the door. What makes this accessible? It has a ramp, said the elf. No automatic door, just the second class wait outside for assistance treatment.

The signage might also have accessibility barriers.

Image description: dark brown entrance doors with the international wheelchair access symbol sticker.

Amherstburg is not a disability inclusive community.

ALL Delegates Deserve The Royal Treatment

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By comparison, the November 26 Economic Development Committee meeting is a good example of preferential treatment of delegates and how well received input is if it aligns with interests like heritage, Open Air (also known as closed streets) and the potential Murray Street closure.

Patricia Simone, chair, advised delegate Kurt Reffle his five minute speaking limit was up after he spoke for 11 minutes and 12 seconds at the meeting.

“Sorry to interrupt just because we have hit the five minute mark, just hoping that you can just wrap up in the next 30 seconds. So apologies for that. We just, unfortunately, this committee cannot extend the time of delegations, so you’ve already hit that, but I’m going to add another 30 seconds if possible to that,” said Simone.

Reffle continued speaking for another 1 minute and 6 seconds.

Council chair usually strictly enforces the 5 minute rule and council typically votes to extend delegates’ time for another 5 minutes.

Reffle also made comments without being asked a question, something council delegates were told is not allowed.

Reffle’s delegation request form stated the item was not on the agenda, also something that council delegates are not allowed to do according to the controversial procedural by-law.

Reffle delegated because ‘after the heritage district was created and you were looking for ideas I said, well, I’m coming.’

He said his idea already has good community support. However, he mentioned only ‘a coalition of partners that have already said yes to this’ including:

  • Mark McGuire, Vintage bikes
  • Musicland, Bethany, all in
  • Kat from the Park House, all in
  • Anna from Pantera, all in
  • Ron Deneau, brilliant idea. who would be against this?
  • President of the Marsh Collection, Chris Gibb, how can I help?
  • One of the librarians, great idea
  • Laura Alessandro, ACF member, great idea
  • Phil Kasurak, great idea,
  • Frank Di Pasquale, Heritage Committee member, great idea
  • Hotel Stry and the O, how can we help, Kaine and Laurie [Bruyette]
  • Dan Gemus, great idea
  • Chief Nikki Anna-Maria Oroszhow, how can I help
  • Alex Dale, Fort Malden, great idea
  • Tammy, provincial marinas, I’m all in
  • I have never heard back from the ACF, the freedom museum or the Gibson gallery.

The committee members embraced Reffle’s ideas, judging by comments:

  • “I would certainly support that for sure, will we be able to contact you down the road as it relates to the concepts and ideas?” asked the first committee member to speak.
  • “If I could make a comment in support of Councillor Crain, I’d like to see us in our next committee meeting put this on the agenda, and hopefully we’ll have the notes from the delegate that we can read in advance and come prepared to put some meaningful, some sort of a meaningful recommendation together based on that, if that makes sense.”
  • “I like the recommendations for the culture and the way you summarized what what we’re doing as a community for bringing culture to the foreground.”
  • “You put together a good list.”
  • “Thank you Kurt for your presentation. Quick question, what role do you see the town playing in this is something that you’d like to take place during open air. Where do you see next steps?” asked Councillor Crain.
  • I really want to commend you for all the work that you put together. It was very thoughtful…and I just commend you for your ideas, and I do, I really want to echo what Alan had said; it’s definitely worth a journey, and certainly the faster we can act on it, the better. So again, thank you,” said Michael Deneau.
  • “Thank you so much for your delegation, and I echo what the committee said, lots of great, interesting ideas, and hopefully we can chat about that more during our work plan session this evening.”

Council and committee members should treat all residents equally when they delegate and when they provide input, not just when interests align. Otherwise, there is the perception of favouritism.

Amherstburg library accessibility journey

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The town of Amherstburg installed a plaque in the library lobby crediting others with my accomplishment.

The town remained silent during the ten years I requested equal access to the library, as documented in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Investigative Report.

Throughout the decade, the town pursued funding for other projects like a marina and arena, despite accessibility being the number one priority stipulated in the government grants.

Then-Mayor Tony DiBartolomeo said publicly if someone filed a human rights complaint they would be forced to do it.

I filed a human rights complaint and the town was forced to take the action it should have taken more than a decade earlier.

An elevator was installed and accessible parking spaces were designated.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission highlighted some significant cases in its 2004 Annual Report, including:

Linda Saxon v. Corporation of Town of Amherstburg (Settlement, H.R.T.O.)

A settlement was reached between the Commission, the complainant and the respondent Town. The complainant made an initial complaint, on the basis of disability, because she was unable to access the Town’s library, which could only be entered via a number of stairs. The library has been renovated since the complainant filed her complaint. The Town has created a lobby at ground level with an elevator and automated doors. It also attempted to make modifications to a washroom to make it accessible. The Commission’s barrier-free design expert reviewed the renovations and found some remaining barriers, but approved of the elevator itself. The Town has agreed to implement a number of the Commission’s expert’s recommendations to improve accessibility at the Town library, namely:

  •  install handrails on either side of a ramp of a specified thickness;
  •  make level the threshold at an entrance;
  •  request the County Library to create an accessible after-hours book depository;
  •  install lever hardware on a door to the accessible washroom;
  •  remove a vanity unit to provide sufficient clearance in the accessible washroom;
  •  relocate the light switch, side grab bar, mirror, and paper dispenser in the accessible washroom; and,
  •  replace push buttons with push plates of a larger diameter that are easier to manipulate.As part of the settlement, the respondent has also agreed to retain a qualified consultant to provide a mandatory training session for the members of the town council on the accommodation of individuals with disabilities.

The Burg Watch Is 14 years old

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In 2011, right after the 2010 election, I became Amherstburg’s first local blogger. Having a record to review to make more informed decisions about future candidates was my goal.

I was also the first one to facilitate questions to the candidates, for which I endured threat of legal action and harassment.

Some candidates ignored me while others were happy to answer. Even though I allowed for generous deadlines, one claimed she couldn’t meet it. Funny how she posted about 45 tweets in the same time frame; I discovered just how nasty some people are.

Another candidate was nasty when I shared my observations of what appeared to be a slate. (I’m sure there will be more commonalities among candidates in 2026. The facts are not my opinion).

As a person with disabilities, and an advocate, I let candidates know about their inaccessible campaigns. Anyone excluding a marginalized community, while hypocritically campaigning to represent everyone, wouldn’t get my vote. Attitudinal barriers are obvious.

In 2014, the three candidates who created websites had accessibility issues. In 2022 more candidates used social media yet didn’t provide accessible information, even after I pointed it out to them and after they received information about conducting accessible campaigns. Lori Wightman’s website had accessibility issues in 2018 and 2022. 

Noteworthy about the 2022-2026 council:

  • the more restrictive procedural by-law limiting citizen participation; delegates can only speak to an issue that’s listed on the agenda and if it’s accompanied by an admin report or a by-law.
  • Councillor Crain and Deputy Mayor Gibb voted a couple of times against audience members speaking to council.
  • the amount of time some council members spend on self promotion while ignoring emails from residents.
  • failing to meet the January 1, 2025 AODA deadline.
  • no decision on an inaccessible town hall.
  • claims of inaccessibility at the library without accountability for statements (Councillors McArthur and Allaire).
  • pickleball – almost $500,000.00 June 2023: ‘The motion has passed now the thorny issue of how do we pay for it?’ said Mayor Prue. (yes, money is found for some things).
  • a future fire hall being slowly built

Unchanged Common Themes:

  • lack of decorum (I blame a lack of leadership for allowing the incivility)
  • council 4-3 divisions
  • excessive kudos to staff
  • staff participation in council meetings
  • demands for FOI requests
  • a high number of in-camera meetings
  • lack of public consultation
  • preferential treatment (some items get moved quickly)
  • over expenditures
  • police costs
  • ableism
  • lack of commitment to accessibility – a decades old issue.

Thank you to those who continue to follow, stay connected and share my vision of a more inclusive community.

Evaluating Amherstburg’s Commitment to Accessibility: A Community Call

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The accessibility committee will discuss a report in favour of in-person voting that council already approved last month, review my 3 year old voting barriers submission to council that was to go to committee before council’s decision (as per council’s motion) and receive a communications plan for next May’s National AccessAbility Week with key messages. I have a few too, in blue below the town’s.

• Accessibility is a shared responsibility—together, residents, businesses, and community partners can help make Amherstburg more inclusive for everyone.

But some residents’ concerns have been dismissed and council took no meaningful action on the number one complaint of accessibility in the residents’ Open Air survey. My repeated requests for consultations with the disability community have also been dismissed. My emails to council members have been disregarded, except for Councillor Pouget and she’s not even an accessibility committee member. Councillor McArthur volunteered to be on the committee and he actively champions trails and Open Air, although I have encouraged him to equally champion accessibility. The town has approved, and welcomed, inaccessible businesses.

• Throughout the week, the Town will showcase local accessibility features in municipal parks, trails, and facilities, and share supports available to persons with disabilities.

The minimally accessible yet not inclusive parks that still exclude some children with disabilities? the trails that need more rest areas? lack shade? lack washrooms? lack drinking fountains? Facilities like the town hall that has accessibility barriers? the Gordon House that is inaccessible? Which supports? The Aphasia Friendly initiative where some businesses might become Aphasia friendly yet remain inaccessible?

• The flag raising ceremony will serve as a symbol of our continued commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community collaboration.

A flag raising, or symbolic gesture, requires minimal effort. There can be no community collaboration if the disability community is ignored. Continued commitment? Dictionary meaning: existing firm decision. When barriers at Closed Streets are embraced, the least accessible voting method is endorsed, parks are not inclusive, and other barriers continue to exist or are created, the decision is that accessibility is not a priority. I have been requesting a stronger commitment to accessibility for over 3 decades.

Have you heard the term “performative allyship?” It’s used to describe when someone claims to be an ally to a marginalized group, but their actions don’t match their words. Performative allyship can be harmful because it can lead to tokenism, exploitation, and a false sense of progress. Read the full article.

Last but not least, the town used grant funding on this segregated accessible swing at Jack Purdie Park. Shameful.

In Protest Of Amherstburg Hosting Essex County’s Accessibility Fest-for-all

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The first edition of Barriers In The Burg was created in protest of this event meant to celebrate accessibility and inclusion but Amherstburg is not an inclusive community.

Barriers create exclusion and isolation and requests to remove them continue to be ignored, dismissed and minimized.

Segregation is shameful. It’s 2025 but people with disabilities, the largest minority, still face marginalization, tokenism, ableism, attitudinal barriers and euphemisms like ‘people of all abilities.’

Rich Donovan, 4th AODA reviewer, hand picked by the provincial government, said, “I think the root of this problem is decades of discrimination, starting with eugenics, which was a state-supported approach to eliminate disability in some countries. We can’t forget that reality and that’s what’s at the base of these issues.” 

Amherstburg contacted Essex County to host the 2025 event. What will the town showcase? An inclusive playground where there’s a trip hazard to get to it? An outdated, segregated wheelchair swing under lock and key without any signage to indicate how to access it? Any inclusive recreation aside from the Miracle League?

Is that the extent of Amherstburg’s display?

As Mayor Prue declared, ‘this town has not been compliant.’

Same Old In Person Voting For 2026

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If I could give out awards for last night’s council dumpster fire, Deputy Mayor Gibb would be the recipient but there would be some runner ups. It would be so refreshing to listen to council members who would demonstrate they’ve conducted independent research. Instead, ableism was on full display, along with the race to ‘support the recommendation of administration.’

Gibb said he wanted to stick with in-person voting, “you can’t get more accessible than that.” Because two dozen people used in home voting? He said accessibility options have been addressed. And I have strongly encouraged him to take more training in accessibility and human rights.

Councillor Crain mentioned cybersecurity and believed the in-person method should be continued. Okay, then stop being on social media and meet all the constituents in person. Oh, and get rid of the town’s Talk the Burg online surveys.

Councillor Allaire said in-person voting gave residents at Seasons a sense of independence. She doesn’t get it and has a lot to learn. Her statement that online voters could be influenced if others are looking over their shoulders was what convinced me.

Councillor Courtney said it was a hybrid option already with the in-home option for people with accessibility needs. I don’t think he gets it either.

Councillor Pouget thought the decision could be deferred pending more consultation. The clerk said a bylaw needs to be passed prior to May 1, 2026, but resources need to be secured as quickly as possible. But admin is to blame for not bringing the report back by mid-term as the CAO mentioned. (Shhh; no kudos for admin). Like the policing renewal contract that was delayed until there was no choice but to stay with Windsor, oh, time ran out to consult the public so stick with the same old and stay comfortable with that.

Councillor Don McArthur agreed with Pouget. He said voting at the polls is “democracy in action” but acknowledged it is harder for some to get to the polling stations than others. I think democracy in action is the voting process, not the voting method.

Mayor Prue said “I’m a little nervous about going with the computer system until I get a little more safeguards than I saw in the report.” But I mentioned the accredited standard that wasn’t mentioned in the report. Did he not catch that when I spoke?

A post-election survey was mentioned, along with the 73% in favour of in person voting. I support taxes being put toward calculators for members of council. A man was asking voters at the Libro how they liked to vote and used tally marks. When I asked him when the survey was decided he said that day he was given pen and paper.

As I advised council, the 73% represents only about 16% of eligible voters in town. Using 2022 eligible voters’ data, about 9000 residents have a disability or have a family member with a disability. Remember how council members voted before you vote in 2026.

Mayor Prue’s Inaugural Speech RE Concession 6 and 8

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Residents on 6th Concession N have resorted to a petition at change.org that states, in part, “Despite these significant challenges, the town council continues to prioritize excessive spending on festivals and parks within the town, disregarding the fundamental need to maintain basic infrastructure on the amalgamated portions of the township, like 6th Concession N. They claim they have no money and the road isn’t slated for reconstruction for 6 years!” 

Listen to Mayor Prue address the concession conditions; unofficial transcript below.

If you walk along the concession roads, people will tell you look at this lousy road especially six and eight. I walked up and down every one of those roads to every one of those houses. Not me individually, but with Nolan and some of the team who are here tonight. We walked through all of those streets and they are in pretty sad shape. And I promised them that we will give the same opportunities to the people who live in the concessions as we do to the downtown and that we will start rebuilding their roads as soon as practicable.

Why hasn’t it been practicable? Money has been spent on pickleball, walking trails in parks, new town vehicles and a list of wants.